How to convert 1976 A model to 1975 M model?

[tpcastellano]

Hi,

I have a nice running 1976 RE5 (with conventional motorcycle instruments and lights) and just obtained a not so nice not running 1975 with the futuristic instrument pod, headlight, turn signal and stop light.

How hard would it be to swap those parts onto my running 1976 bike?

Tim Castellano

[wayne]

It would be very easy. Most A models are just M models that were converted anyway.

Have a look at this thread. Don't worry about the engine differences, your bike probably started life as an M. Ignore carby differences, they're probably already done and you may end up doing them yourself. B points (second set of points) are probably already disconnected, they went 'round and snipped the wires on all the remaining M models or did it on a service if the bike was already sold.

If you take the tank off your A and find a speed relay (looks like a flasher timer) or behind the radiator attached to a lug between the two frame downtubes below tank level, there is a small bell shaped device or small black plastic thing (both are different version of the vacuum switch), then these are remnants of its earlier life as an M. They used to run the B point system and you don't need to worry about them if they're present or not.

re5rotary.proboards.com/thread/2118/model-differences

[tpcastellano]

Hi Wayne,

Thanks! I am actually more interested in the cosmetic differences than the mechanical differences. I would like to put the M model instruments, headlight, taillight, turn signals on my A. Will they simply plug into the wiring harness? The M I bought is 2500 miles from my A and it might be easier and cheaper to ship a few boxes of parts rather than the whole bike. If I had them side by side I am sure I could figure it out but I don't as of yet.

[wayne]

I'm pretty sure that everything will just plug in. I don't recall seeing anything about wiring kits with reference to this.

Your only major item is the instruments and I've got a mate who plugged A model instruments into M with no issues so you'll be right going the other way.

[tpcastellano]

Thanks i will let you know how it goes